ALAN SMITH is set to knock back fresh interest from a clutch of Premier League clubs in January to complete his promotion mission with Newcastle.

The tenacious midfielder has been one of United’s star men so far this term and his form has caught the eye of several top-flight clubs – with Everton one of several teams to make initial enquiries over the past couple of weeks.

A formal move would have to wait until January, but there is growing interest in a player who has revitalised his career after a rocky start at St James’s Park.

Premier League scouts have been regular fixtures at United’s games this season and Bolton Wanderers are another team keeping tabs on him but Smith, enjoying his longest injury-free run since moving to the North East, is determined to finish the job at Newcastle.

A source close to Smith said: “There is interest in Alan and his form has been noticed by a few clubs, but he wants to stay at Newcastle and get them promoted.

“He has always felt that he doesn’t want to leave and that hasn’t changed.”

Everton boss David Moyes is a long-term admirer of Smith and tried to sign him in August last year – only for the move to fall through.

Indeed the Chronicle understands that interest was shown in Smith during the summer transfer window but boss Chris Hughton was adamant that he should stay – with both club bosses and the player himself in agreement.

Smith’s form so far this term has been one of the most pleasing aspects of United’s positive start to the Championship campaign, and the former Leeds man has also been an influential player off the pitch.

He led the inquest after the debacle at Leyton Orient and was instrumental in forming the “players’ committee” that has helped ease the burden on caretaker boss Chris Hughton during the trying first few months of the season.

The 28-year-old even sorted out a stereo for the dressing room after that detail had been overlooked during the first few weeks of the pre-season campaign.

Hughton recognised the player’s influence and Smith took the captain’s armband in the absence of Nicky Butt at the start of the season – performing admirably in trying circumstances. Crucially he has managed to prove his fitness after a couple of injury-ravaged campaigns in black and white and that is what has piqued the interest of Premier League bosses keen to add some steel to their midfield.

It is unclear whether United will have to sell again in January if Mike Ashley continues to stall on takeover front.

But even if there is a change of ownership United will be braced for a fresh wave of interest in their established players.

Kevin Nolan and England under-21 star Andrew Carroll are both being monitored by top flight clubs and United have already turned down a bid from Wolves for their homegrown striker.

And the Chronicle revealed yesterday that Juventus and Bayern Munich are both eyeing Dutch star Tim Krul.